Max Papis Racing Pikes Peak summary

PAPIS AND SCHRANZ PUT GEICO ON TOP OF THE WORLD AT PIKES PEAK
Colorado Springs, CO (July 21, 2009) -- Max Papis has long been told
of the mountain called Pikes Peak. Growing up in Italy, he has always
known Pikes Peak to be one of the most ...

PAPIS AND SCHRANZ PUT GEICO ON TOP OF THE WORLD AT PIKES PEAK

Colorado Springs, CO (July 21, 2009) -- Max Papis has long been told
of the mountain called Pikes Peak. Growing up in Italy, he has always
known Pikes Peak to be one of the most famous races in the world. Over
the weekend, Papis would achieve yet another racing accomplishment when
he strapped into the pace car and led the charge up the 14,110-foot
mountain that encompasses 156 twisting turns and 3,000-foot drops.

By contrast, since he was 9-months old Layne Schranz grew up on the
famous mountain watching his father, legendary racer Randy Schranz, race
there. Now, 37 years later, Layne and his father Randy are still on the
hill and have become a dominant duo at the Race to the Clouds.

Qualifying 2nd in the #7 GEICO Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Layne Schranz was
forced to make his trip up the mountain in heavy intermittent rain. He
would then be met at the summit by snow.

Despite the austere weather conditions, the 1997 PPIHC Rookie of the Year
and 2000 winner managed to make the trek in just twelve minutes and two
seconds. Schranz's time was good enough to record a second place
finish in the 87th Annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. His
journey would allow him his fifth visit to the podium in the last seven
years.

"It was a great weekend for the GEICO team and I'm happy to
be able to return GEICO's support with a 2nd place finish,"
Schranz said. "I'm thankful that GEICO gave me the
opportunity to take the Gecko to the top of Pikes Peak. It was a special
weekend and I'm glad that Max Papis was able to join us and be a
part of such an exciting event."

Although Max Papis has toured nearly every major auto racing facility in
the world, Pikes Peak is certainly the most unique. His excitement was
evidenced by the perpetual smile that occupied his face over the course
of the weekend.

"It was very exciting to be here and drive the GEICO pace car to
the top of Pikes Peak," Papis said. "I've heard about
this race my whole life, so it's fulfilling to have been able to
take part in it. I'm very happy for Layne and it was exciting to
see the GEICO car get a podium finish. I'm looking forward to
returning next year to this awesome event."

For more information about the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb,
please visit www.ppihc.com

For more information about Max Papis, please visit www.maxpapis.com

For more information about Max Papis and the GEICO NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series program, please visit www.geicogarage.com